Charity Fraud

🔍 How It Works

Scammers create fake charities, especially after natural disasters or during holidays. They use names similar to real charities and pressure you to donate immediately. Your money goes to the scammer, not to people in need.

📝 Real Examples

• •After a hurricane, you get a call from 'American Red Crossing' asking for donations via gift card.
• •A crowdfunding page shows heartbreaking photos but the organizer is keeping all the money.
• •A caller thanks you for 'your previous donation' and asks you to donate again.

⚠️ Warning Signs

• •Name sounds similar to a well-known charity
• •They pressure you to donate right now
• •They only accept gift cards or wire transfers
• •They can't give you details about how the money will be used
• •They thank you for a donation you didn't make

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

• •Research charities at charitynavigator.org before donating
• •Give directly to charities you know and trust
• •Never donate by gift card or wire transfer
• •Ask for written information about the charity

📋 What To Do If It Happens

• •Do not donate to unverified charities
• •Report the fake charity
• •Warn your friends and family
• •Donate directly to established, verified charities instead

📞 Where to Report

• •FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• •Your state Attorney General
• •Charity Navigator: charitynavigator.org